Virus

Have you ever had a computer problem caused by a virus?  You know, one of those nasty things that infects your computer and tries to take over everything?  It really limits what you can do with the computer, and it can even eventually take over the whole thing.

The virus that is infecting your computer is trying to find a weakness in the computer’s defenses and use that weakness in order to spread.  As it spreads it takes over system after system until it’s run out of space to spread, often crippling your computer.

Do you realize that what I’ve described can also be the process behind how sin works in our lives?  Sin is Satan’s way of lowering our defenses in order to block out the good things that God wants us to have in our lives, just like that computer virus does to your computer.  Satan’s goal with sin is to use it as an entrance into your life and allow more sin into your life.  If Satan can get that one crack in the defenses he will eventually try to block you from the relationship with God that you’ve been building.

So how do you keep sin from getting into your life?  Let’s be honest, sin is a part of life.  You and I are not ever going to be perfect so there will be times when sin will enter your life even when you are vigilant in keeping it away.  So, the key, just like with your computer, is having a great antivirus program.  God provides us with  free access to the best program you could ever download:  The Bible!  Then He also sets other people in our lives that are there to support us and help us grow in our relationship with Him.  There are also small groups, Bible studies, worship music, friends, prayer and accountability partners, and so much more readily available for us at any time.  All provided by the God who loves us all and wants to make sure that we are always growing in our relationship with Him.

So, if you want to keep from allowing that virus known as sin a foothold in your life, it’s time to use the programs that God makes readily available to each and every one of us.  

Positive Memories

What do you see when you look back at your childhood?  Do you remember all the little arguments you had with your parents?  Maybe you remember that big fight you had because you didn’t get your way?  Oh, and I’m sure you remember that time at the store when they wouldn’t buy you that new cereal that just came out, the new cassette tape, or vinyl album?

I’m guessing that what you remember most is the good times that you had.  (I realize that not everyone has fond memories, but follow along here please.)  You remember the family trip you took, or the late night you spend talking with mom or dad.  Maybe you remember the first time dad let you have the car keys on your own, or the sporting events of yours that they attended?

My point is that parenting in my mind is about creating those positive encounters that our children will always look back on in a positive light.  They aren’t going to remember the argument you had about not brushing their teeth tonight, but instead they’ll remember the family trip to Cedar Point.  They will remember the fact that you helped them get better at their favorite sport, or at least attended their games. 

God calls us to be good parents, which can leave a lot to interpretation.  But there is one thing I know for sure.  Being with your children as they are growing up and showing an interest in the things they do and wanting to be with them is a big part of being a parent.  Focus on the Family says it like this:

Your presence matters. Children regard your presence as a sign of care and connectedness. Families who eat meals together, play together and build traditions together thrive.

If you want your family to thrive and your children to have those positive memories of their childhood, spend some time with them and create those memories.  It is another way we can make God’s kingdom stronger.

Time for a Decision

Through my many dealings with people I hear a variety of prayer requests.  Lately I’ve heard from a young lady who really wants her life to be different, but she doesn’t understand why God doesn’t fully answer her prayers.  I was praying through how to help this person when God had this thought pop into my head:  “You can be angry with God for what you don't have, or happy with Him for what you do have.”

What a decision that is!  I had never thought of my Christian walk this way but, man, does that hit home!.  Yet, what a true statement it is! 

In our society it’s become easy to be negative and so not accept that God really is working in our lives.  We don’t have things the way we want them, so we just assume that God isn’t helping us.  Instead, He is richly blessing us every day and we don’t even notice.

So, my question for you today is:  Can you accept that you now have to do the hard thing?  You have to decide to be happy for what you do have instead of being unhappy for what you don’t have.  I have a feeling that once you make that change that you’ll find yourself blessed even more.

So, give it a try!  What do you have to lose?

Alone Time

Last Thursday and Friday I took a trip with my friend Larry.  It was a quick trip down into southern Indiana where we had the opportunity to see a number of things related to the movie Hoosiers and the Milan team that inspired the movie.

As much as the trip was about going to see these attractions, it was just as much about spending time with a good friend.  We regularly contact one another about day-to-day happenings; however, we don’t normally get to spend much “face time” with one another when others aren’t around or for any real length of time.

I mention this trip because it can be used to emphasize the importance of reconnecting with God when you think that you haven’t been as close as you’d like to be.  Just as Larry and I did by going on this trip, sometimes you need some time away with God in order to make your relationship with Him stronger.  Sometimes you need to have that one-on-one time with God in order to talk with Him about things that you don’t have time to do in the midst of the day-to-day of your life.  Another benefit of that alone time with God is when you focus on Him, your chances of hearing what He has to say is only going to be stronger.

If you haven’t had that alone time with God lately, then maybe it’s time to get away.  You don’t have to go far to get that time in… as God is much closer than you think.

Background

From time to time I like to spotlight a song that really moves me in a spiritual way.  I know that often my tastes aren’t going to match up with those of some of the readers, but at the same time I feel that the right lyrics can really hit someone and make them look differently at their spiritual walk.

That is why I’m bringing up the song “Background” by Lecrae this week in this blog.  The first time I heard this song I enjoyed the beat.  At that point the words to the song didn’t really hit me, though they have since then.  See what I mean below:

It's evident You run the show, so let me back down.

You take the leading role, and I'll play the background.

I know I miss my cues, know I forget my lines

I'm sticking to Your script, and I'm reading all Your signs.

I don't need my name in lights.  I don't need a starring role.

And why gain the whole wide world, if I'm just gon' loose my soul.

And my ways ain't purified, I'll live according to Your Word.

I can't endure this life without Your wisdom being heard.

So word to every dancer for a pop star,

Cause we all play the background, but mine's a Rock Star.

Yeah. So if you need me I'll be stage right.

Prayin' the whole world will start embracing stage fright.

So let me fall back and stop giving my suggestions

Cause when I follow my obsessions I end up confessing.

That I'm not that impressive, matter of fact I'm who I are.

A trail of star dust leading to the Superstar.

After I actually heard the words to this song, it really hit me.  This is more than just a good tune, it’s a call to my heart to do the exact same thing.  There are many times in my life when I try to take control and not allow God to work.  I try to be the headliner in the story of my life instead of allowing God to take center stage.  I try to run the finances and I don’t allow God to bless the family.  I run the schedule of the day-to-day stuff instead of letting God take control.  And that list of things can go on and on over and over again.  I may not always try to take control, but I definetly do at least here and there.

So, is it time for you to play the background in your life?  Maybe you’ve tried to take control, but now realize that it isn’t your show to headline?  When we truly give up that starring role and allow God to take charge it is amazing the blessings we will realize.  The question is, are you willing to give up that control?

If you want to hear the whole song along with the lyrics check it out here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZosXYJYV8c

God bless!

From the Mouths of Babes

Sunday night my wife Traci and I were talking to one another at the dinner table while the kids were doing their own thing.  I can’t remember what the exact topic was at the time, but I do know that Traci mentioned about something being annoying or frustrating, and of course that is the moment that our youngest, Abby, walked into the room.  She looked at me with an inquisitive face.  I let her know something to the effect that sometimes mommy can get frustrated with things.  Abby’s response:  “Yeah, I know.  I live in this house.”  Then she walked away.

Now I mention this for more than just the comedic value.  (We were dying on that one.)  I mention it because it just goes to prove a very valid point that we hear all of the time.  Our kids are learning from us even when we don’t think they are.  Who knows what put that thought into Abby’s mind, and frankly it might not have been much.  But, what if we had been cursing when we didn’t think the kids were paying attention?  What if we acted one way at church and another at home?  What kind of reaction would the kids have then?

As a Christian you have to be the same person every day.  You never know who is looking.  One wrong step can give anyone the wrong idea of what being a Christian is all about.  This responsibility seems like a lot, I know.  But, I’ll take that over what Jesus endured for me any day.  What about you?

Correct The Message

If you have watched pretty much any TV show or have listened to the radio at all you’ve probably heard a ton of political ads being run for both of the presidential candidates.  We’re being told at every commercial break the things that the other candidate thinks is wrong with his opponent.  Now, I’m not going to get political with you here and tell you who to vote for, as personally I think you should just vote, and who you vote for is your choice.  Instead I want to point something out to everyone.

If you had heard the messages, then I’m guessing you are just as tired of them as I am.  Frankly I’m sick and tired of all the negative ads that both sides have been putting out, which has really begun to hurt the credibility of both sides in my eyes.  But, with that said, it has made me realize something when it comes to my spiritual life in regards to witnessing to others.  I think that a lot of time we point out to the people in the world all that is wrong with their way of life.  We tell them all that they are doing wrong and think that this is the best approach to winning lives for Jesus.  Yet, just like the negative political ads, this approach can often have the exact opposite effect.  Instead, the person we are witnessing to then gets turned off by the negativity and goes even further away from the one person in the world that can really change their lives. . .God.

How many more lives would we win for Christ if we focused only on the positives of what God can do for someone’s life?  Yes, it’s not an easy road for some to get here.  However, if the person being witnessed to  finds enough reason to walk with God, maybe they will make that decision!  If we shine the light away from telling people all they do wrong and focus on what God can do right, do you think we’ll win more lives for Christ?

When witnessing, what do you focus on?  Is it what they are doing wrong, or what God can do right?  If your focus is on the wrong it’s not a problem, as that is easy to change. 

Today is the day…and this is an election you want to win.  Go out and campaign – promoting all that God can do to all whom you witness to…starting today.